Her brand of comedy is part of a risque business that centers around hypocrisy and double standards. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Mae Planert. The Sandwich, MA native shares some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how she always owns the laughs.
Name: Mae Planert
Hometown: Sandwich, MA/New York, NY
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @mae_Planert
Years in Comedy: 5
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Comedy Central Snapchat & Sirius XM
Comedic Influences: Christina P., Tim Dillon, Nikki Glaser, Rachel Feinstein, & Bill Burr
Favorite Comedy Album: Dave Attell “Skanks for the Memories”
Favorite Comedy Special: I don’t know about my favorite, but I liked 100% Fresh. It’s an interesting angle and I love Adam.
Favorite Comedy Movie: Honestly, Dumb and Dumber still holds uppppp.
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Arrested Development. Probably a basic answer, but it’s the perfect show. SUE ME!
Favorite Comedic Character: Fred Armisan as Candace the Feminazi.
Favorite City to Perform In: New York City
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Hypocrisy, contradictions, family and relatable stuff. Dark topics with a cutesy twist.
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: One that understands we’re just joking. I don’t like crowds that try to “figure you out” instead of just laughing at the joke.
Favorite Comedy Club: New York Comedy Club
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I always wanted to do something comedically, but I thought it would be more in the writing department than performing. I had terrible stage fright, which was a huge hurdle to get over. I think I first discovered my passion for comedy when I discovered Chelsea Handler. I loved her books growing up and her early years of comedy inspired me.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I was so nervous to perform that I went out to new jersey to make sure I wouldn’t know anyone at the open mic. Who I thought from my life would be there, I do not know, lol. I just was not about to take ANY chances. I remember shaking and reading off of a paper with absolutely no pauses and terrible delivery and getting justifiably tepid pity laughs. But I felt like I was on drugs afterward.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Dark, but silly. I say the quiet thing out loud but will sandwich it with softer stuff.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I let premises come to me organically while hanging out with friends or going on a long walk. I am NOT the type to sit with a pen in a coffee shop and hammer something out. I’ve tried that approach and it comes out too written and buttoned up. For me, I can’t force it. If I am in a slump I find that taking my foot off the gas and just going out to dinner with friends or having a “normal” night out will unlock something in my brain.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
Very diverse. Since it’s NYC you have your Brooklyn scene, the club scene, and the alt scene. The goal is to have some sort of footing in every pocket.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
This is going to sound corny, but I judge success by happiness. Are you still enjoying what you are doing every day? Are you having fun? A lot of success in this business is being entrepreneurial, lucky and simply keep going. But I don’t think enough people check in with themselves so I see a lot of people “grinding” that are totally miserable. If you are happy, having a good time on stage, and growing as a person and performer I consider that success. I would rather be making less money and having more fun, than feeling totally burnt out, bitter, and unfulfilled.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Andrew Casertano. Ben Kirschenbaum, Mike Bramante, Jake Velazques, Laura Sogar, and Max Spinelli are all amazing.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
I got to do a guest spot at the Wilbur Theatre which was really amazing.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Another corny answer, but that when a door closes it simply was not meant for you. There are so many avenues to success, so getting a “no” is just the universe telling you to spend your time and energy elsewhere.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
If they are a douche they will do the classic “tell me a joke”. But most people think its cool and ask to see a show.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
It’s like pushing a ball up a never-ending hill but you have to enjoy the workout. Does that make sense? Even people at the highest level have to keep going and going and creating. There is no definitive end to it and you just have to keep on keeping on.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
The idea is that there is a hierarchy of types of comedy. A lot of comics look down on “prop” comics or people that use presentations etc. But I think if it’s funny, it’s funny. Even though I have a more classic approach, I think variation should be welcomed.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Cheer on your friends, and find a group that you really mesh with. Once I found my friend group in comedy, it becomes that much easier to keep going.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Mae-hem”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I met Madonna once. Not really a funny experience, but it was cool. She was tiny!
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
Any ambush show that I’ve ever done has been weird. I guess during the pandemic the park shows were weird. There would be small children playing with their families and were out here talking about pedo’s. Not great. (Laughs)
A Mae Planert Fun Fact:
I played ice hockey growing up. I was a goalie! (Smiles)
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I would love to tour with my podcast “Risque Business News.”
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Just be yourself and find what makes you unique. Also, remember that you are there for the audience and not the other way around.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I like seeing people turning their backs on the “industry” and doing their own thing. I think the future of comedy will be all about people carving their own paths and not waiting for some arbitrary list to come out to validate them.
If you could write one episode for one classic TV sitcom which show would it be and give a brief detailed sentence on the episode:
Arrested Development. A feud where Lucille II is trying to buy a bluth asset.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
The Comedy Cellar w/ Rachel Feinstein, Bill Burr, and Andrew Casertano
What’s next for you:
Keep on keeping on.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Because what the hell is the alternative? Take everything wicked seriously and wallow? Life’s tough, get a helmet and make a joke about it.
Follow Mae Planert’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Mae Planert
Youtube: Mae Planert
Personal Website: Mae Planert
